Sunday, 1 March 2009

Skillful Sailor

I didn’t anticipate coming back here as soon as this however, I also didn’t realize what an important job I have here. I knew there were many people out there who visited ABT on a daily basis but I had no idea of the important part it played each day in my readers life and also in my own.

Sometimes in this crazy, stressful world we live in we can lose sight of where we are going…the clouds can move over and the rain can start to pour down. Sometimes we question ourselves, our ability and what we are doing. It’s times like these we need a break away to reassess, review, rethink and make ourselves aware of what we really love doing. I love posting here on my blog and I love being a part of this amazing community of design loving people. I also love my career and I also love my family and friends. I don’t want to give up on any of these things even when the going does get tough {like it did last week} as these are the things which make me happy. I read a great quote this week which said…."smooth seas do not make skillful sailors". I realize now that I need to find a balance between my family and friends, my career and my blog so that when the seas decide to swell again I will be better prepared to cope with the onslaught.

Chelsey Turner from Philadelphia, USA sent me an email this week which, after reading it, I felt compelled to return here. It was my turning point. Chelsey agreed to let me share some of her email with you…

“I found your blog one rainy day. My mother had said "do something beautiful this weekend," but it was pouring outside. So on a whim, I googled "beautiful things," and Absolutely Beautiful Things came up. How truly serendipitous.

Ever since, when the day gets too hectic at my office in Philadelphia, and I need something beautiful for an uplifting moment, I take a quick visit. I've forwarded your Rodney Smith photos to my company's graphic artists, I've forwarded your interior designs to my mother in Atlanta, I've forwarded your vintage photos to my roommates' work e-mail boxes to give them something gorgeous to get them through the day...time and time again.

So, please enjoy your "Time Out," and I hope your "reassessment" brings you much joy and a true path for your life and career. And know that at least one yank in Philadelphia will miss your blog, and is tremendously appreciative for all the little joys you gave her...because little joys is what life is all about.”

Thank you for your extremely kind comments, emails, phone calls, hand written notes and blog posts. To say I am overawed is an understatement.

Like me, you all crave inspiration. Like me, you all get a buzz from seeing new/exciting/beautiful things. And finally, like me you all very much enjoy being here at ABT. So, from here-on-in I plan to be here, maybe not every day but certainly as often as I feel like it. I hope I can continue to inspire you as you do me.

while not as eloquent as Chelsey, my sentiments are shared...first of all, thank you for always sharing what is in your heart and mind. Your blog is an amazing source of inspiration for so many reasons and so many people. A year ago, my husband talked a lot about blogs, the power of community and I eventually found my way to yours. It was at a time, despite starting our own business after years in the corporate world that we were having difficulty seeing our vision thorough completely ( long story ) Not truly understanding at the time where I was going and what he meant completely. 6 months later, with a list of blogs that I read and am inspired by for many reasons, I find myself trying to juggle what is important, nurturing and how to see through all that matters every day.

Just last week, for a variety of reasons, I realized I had hit a wall. That night, I was up for hours. Not with any anxieties or angst, but because I needed to reconnect..Came downstairs at midnight, looked at blogs for the first time in 3 weeks and read your post about needing to take some time away.

So, I just wanted to say, take the time you need, with people and things you love, and then follow your heart. Know that there are so many that you have touched and who care, and let us know if and how we can be of help.

Did you hear me squeal all the way over there? It makes me so happy that you know how much we need you.If you only do the post when you feel like you have something special to share, it will make it that much better.So welcome back, we love hearing from you ever day or ever month or just whenever, like an old friend, the second we hear your voice the amount of time between contact drops away and we are only in the moment. xo, MB

I am so glad you decided to come back. First Domino and then you...there goes the neighborhood! I love your style and design sense. I religiously check your blog for inspiration. You would truly be missed. Welcome back!

Good for you, Anna! When I read your 'Time Out' post last week, I was full of sympathy and yet hesitated to comment because 'time out' should mean, truly, a time out even from the obligation of reading or responding to comments!

For me, balance is hard to find among work, home, four children and husband, and my other passions and pursuits. Because it eludes me, I choose instead to dwell in the midst of the chaos and relish each detail as one of the little joys which, as another of your devotees said, is what life is all about. Best wishes.

Thank you, Anna you've put a smile on my face. over just a few months your blog has become my daily companion and I turn to it to get a dose of beauty everyday. I don't think you have ever posted a photo I didn't love.I'm overjoyed you're coming back, best of luck with the work/life balance, and thank you for the joy you bring sooo many people.PascaleFrance

What a wonderful surprise to see you are back! Even after reading your post announcing your time-out, because of habit (and wishful thinking) I continued to check your blog...thank you for the "absolutely beautiful things" you have brought to us...AND for the anticipation of all the beautiful posts to come!

Anna, you may not know your readers personally, but through this blog you inspire people everyday - including myself. I was so excited to click on your blog this morning in the teensiest hope that you would be back and whal-la! there you were! I have visited your store in Brisbane, when I was up in QLD visitng a friend, as well as Lily G and they both are beautiful, beautiful places to be. I am so very glad that you have decided to come back, and to be honest, one teeny blog post and a photo from ABT makes my day. I was over at Desire to Inspire this morning and they had a post that had practically all of your photos in it, and I realised that I too also had every one of those photos saved in my inspiration files. Keep up the good work, and may you continue to inspire us all with your fantastic style. Welcome back

Wow, Anna - you are back!! I am so thankful ~~~ and what a lovely sentiment the lady from Philadelphia wrote to you. I was honestly experiencing withdrawal and just happened to come back to your blog to view some of your past posts - so many beautiful things to inspire me the last couple of years. My hope is that you find the "balance" you are looking for in your life so that you might inspire your friends all over the world for many years to come. Even if you post once a week or once a month ~ it is better than no Anna & Absolutely Beautiful Things ~ xx from Texas ~ Stephanie

I was thrilled to see that you posted today. I have been reading your blog for the past year and it is bookmarked as a favorite. You inspire and impress. Thank you for coming back so soon. You were missed.

Hi Anna, I'm glad you've decided to keep up the blog. Like Chelsey, I often check out ABT for a little lift when my day or spirits are sagging and the inspiration you provide always brings me a moment of happiness and sometimes a great big wallop of inspiration. No one can deny the need to balance everything that we have going on in our lives so congratulations for realising that blogging is something that you love and don't want to give up, but will have to fit in with all your other loves and continue to be a joy to you not a burden.

Dear AnnaI was so upset when you called it "time-out", but I refrained from commenting coz I readily accept that it must not be easy to manage all the wonderful things you have going on!But, am so glad you've decided to not let ABT go. Please continue to inspire us, even if it's once a week, once a month, once a year. Wishing you all the best for the Black and Spiro projects:)

I must say Anna, I can certainly identify with what you are saying. My family and I are feeling very overwhelmed by life at the moment too. There must be something in the air and the best thing to do is take a step back and look at the big picture and breathe. We are glad to see your return!

I must say Anna, I can certainly identify with what you are saying. My family and I are feeling very overwhelmed by life at the moment too. There must be something in the air and the best thing to do is take a step back and look at the big picture and breathe. We are glad to see your return!

This morning I was feeling a little low, I decided to reread your "Time out" post again and what a treat to see you had posted again. I am a huge fan living in Southern California. Our paths most likely would have never crossed if not for your blog. It is an amazing and empowering tool. Thank you for your continued inspiration when it's right for you!

Mz Spiro, you are a trooper.I know I have said this before, but it was ABT that started my blogging adventure, and I can say from the bottom of my heart Thank You for being such a wonderful inspiration to me...welcome back,Ness xx

Mz Spiro, you are a trooper.I know I have said this before, but it was ABT that started my blogging adventure, and I can say from the bottom of my heart Thank You for being such a wonderful inspiration to me...welcome back,Ness xx

Woo Hoo! I, too, have caught myself checking your blog just to make sure you hadn't posted again. I am so excited to see you are back. You bring excitement to my day and remind me of the beauty and blessings all around us. Julie Cole-Miller recently shared your blog with me, and I have just been so invigorated with each of your postings every day! I have also loved the links you provide. I catch myself out in the yonder of the exciting links to photos, hand-made crafts, art, design, and all that the internet can overwhelm with, but I always find my way back to your beautiful pink calming serenity of sweetness. Be true to yourself and I will be there with you (all the way over in Birmingham, Alabama)!

What a delight! I was so sad about Domino and even more sad about no ABT blog. So I cannot tell you how excited I am to see that you will still be posting. Your posts always just add a bit beauty to my day. However, I do hope you are able to let some of the blog pressure ease on by. I am only just starting but in ways it has added extra business and unnecessary stress. I know this has got me thinking and it I hope it allows for us all to go at the pace we choose, post when we can and when we can't, oh well. Best,xx Trina

I go to ABT when I need to be inspired. I'm currently redesigning our apartment and even though I am no designer, your blog does inspire me, for me it is enough sometimes just to look at it and I find new Ideas.Keep blogging whenever you feel like it :)

Last week when I discovered that ABT may no longer share space in this wonderful world of blogging, I felt the same pain I have felt with Domino and the closing of so many mags and businesses recently. I was so heartbroken that I simply prayed. Hoping that conditions would change in your life and business to create space for your inspiring blog. I can relate to the stress, and can appreciate the need to re-evaluate and I believe we must reach decisions that best serve our needs, goals and relationships. However, I am filled with glee to know that you are staying I love, love, love this blog and don't miss a day reading it!!

My best to you and know that my prayers will continue wishing you the absolute best and that each of your wishes, dreams and goals are realized with ease.

Great news! Welcome back Anna!I´ll keep coming to your blog every time I need inspiration, and something that makes me smile in sad and boring days. Thank you again for sharing your pics, ideas, house and work!

So happy you are back so soon. I have never posted on any blog, but yours is exceptional. Thank you for all you do with your precious time. Finding a balance is always a struggle. Keep up the good fight, we love you for it.

Anna, where would the blogosphere be without you? I am so happy you decided to come back! I am very grateful for the kindness and support you have shown me. Thanks for all the joy, beauty and inspiration you add to my life! Have a wonderful weekend.XO

i have been so bummed to not open your blog every morning and then i notices today another blogger who had been reading you *new posts* HIP HIP HOORAY! so glad you are back..you gotta know how talented you are and that so many people want to read something absolutely beautiful everyday!catherine

I established this blog in 2006 so that I could record my inspirations, my thoughts and my work as an Interior Designer. Based in Brisbane, Australia, my store Black & Spiro is always filled with a unique collection of interesting things which we scour the globe to find. I am most passionate about my family, my career, tradition, collecting, flowers, fabric, gardening, colour and quality and I will always strive to be creative and extraordinary in everything I do. I hope I can inspire you to live a bright and colourful life surrounded by the things you love.